A functional and organized closet makes my heart sing. My son’s closet was a blank slate with a simple hanging rod and one high shelf. This wasn’t doing him any favors in the way of keeping things organize. The solution is simple – easy closet shelves.
A DIY tutorial to install easy closet shelves. Make your closet functional and organized with simple shelves you can install.
Today I’m sharing these easy closet shelves along with 16 other extremely creative DIY friends in a group organization challenge. Thank you to Jen Woodhouse for pulling us altogether to get organized!
Does your closet have the functionality you need? Is that single hanging rod providing all the storage you need? Could you benefit from a few shelves to make use of those corners and provide more visible, organized storage? If you answered yes to any of those questions then I’m guessing your closet may look similar to my son’s closet before I did this project.
A single hanging rod with a shelf above. Nothing fancy and while it does the job of providing lots of hanging storage space I can guarantee my son (and most kids) don’t hang too many clothes. Let’s install some easy closet shelves in those corners and provide open, visible storage while still keeping the hanging rod.
It’s amazing what five little shelves can do for a hidden corner that was underutilized before!
I recently installed a similar version in our hall linen closet except they are unfinished raw plywood if that’s more your speed.
Below are the supplies and instructions to make and install these easy closet shelves. Be sure to measure your space carefully as all closets are slightly different.
Supplies:
- 3/4″ plywood pieces (shelves)
- 1×2 pine boards (trim)
- 3/4″ x 3/4″ square dowels (cleats)
- nail gun
- 1 1/4″ brad nails
- level
- wood glue
- wood putty
- miter saw
- table saw
- sander
- measuring tape
- pencil
Step 1: Cut 3 pieces of 3/4″ square dowel for your cleats. One long back piece and two side pieces. The side pieces should be equal to the depth of your shelves. Secure the cleats to the wall using a level and nail gun. Next cut the plywood to fit the space. Be sure to leave 3/4″ at front for the trim piece to sit flush with the door jamb. Finally use wood glue and attach the front trim piece with finish nails.
These shelves are approximately 10″ apart and measure 18″l x 9″d.
Step 2: Fill any nail holes with wood putty, let dry and then sand smooth. Next apply primer to shelves and trim. Then once dry sand again and paint shelves.
A very easy and simply weekend project that makes a huge difference in the functionality of your closet space.
Before this closet was an open cavern with just hanging storage space. And now after I installed ten easy shelves the closet is much more user friendly.
Be sure to stop by and check these awesome organization project from my creative friends:
- DIY Shoe Organizer by Jen Woodhouse
- Simple DIY Closet Organization by House Becoming Home
- DIY Corner Vegetable Storage Bin by Anika’s DIY Life
- Small Parts Bins by 100 Things 2 Do
- French Cleat Wall Organizer by Addicted 2 DIY
- Office Organizer Drawers by Remodelando La Casa
- Shoe Storage Cabinet with Trays by The Created Home
- DIY Closet Cabinets by Woodshop Diaries
- DIY Ziploc Bag Storage Organizer by The Inspired Workshop
- Backpack Storage Bench by Her Toolbelt
- Between Studs Workshop Organization by My Love 2 Create
- Between Studs Broom Closet by Myrepurposed Life
- DIY Jewelry Organizer by Ugly Duckling House
- DIY Bathroom Drawer Organizer by Hazel and Gold Designs
- Easy DIY Wine Rack by Place of my Taste
- DIY Spice Rack by Joyful Derivatives
Those little spaces at the ends of closets drive me crazy! They become like the black hole. I love how pretty your shelves turned out and now it’s functional space!
Thanks Katie, I’m saying no to all the black holes and on a mission to make everything functional!
Jaime,
What a great use of space! I love your easy closet shelves. So much better than the plastic bins.
pinning!
gail
Thank you Gail, a little wood and paint fixes almost everything 🙂
Such a great idea! I have some funky shaped closets…with so much wasted space, but I think shelves will work! Now, if only I had an extra copy of myself to get right on that! Lol!
Yes Cara let’s fix all the closets and get rid of wasted space! Some many projects, so little time.
Love it!! So simple and so much more convenient and useful. And I can’t stop staring at those pretty floor planks.
Thank you Cristina, very convenient and user friendly. It makes me smile every time I open the closet door 🙂 And yes I love the floors too.
You are on a roll with these built-in solutions, Jaime! Love it! Thanks for joining in on the fun!
Thanks Jen, making all the closets functional makes me happy! Thanks for hosting this fun group challenge.
I did something similar to my entryway closet and it changed my life. You’re genius to use the space so well! Love this. Nice work!
Yes! Why does every closet have that completely impractical nook!?! What a great way to avoid the black hole!
Good question. Say no to nooks and yes to shelves!
My closets have those nooks too, but they are DEEP. Been debating adding shelves just like this. Great project!
Thanks Sarah, yes I say add all the shelves!
Great idea!!! Totally coveting your nail gun…which Ryobi model is it? I’m steadily collecting my power tools and getting creative! Love your projects
Thanks Kelly. For this project I used the 18 gauge Ryobi pneumatic nail gun. It’s the most versatile and the best choice for basic use.
What a simple and amazing idea to use up those awkward corners in closets! I have a few closets that could use this for sure!
Thanks Anika, so many closets to remedy! So little time but it’s worth it to make those corners useful.
Such a quick project with major organizational impact! I bet your son is pleased with his additional storage!
I live in an old house with closets like this!! Plus its so old, they have the brown paneling too!! I’m in the process of painting them all white and having shelves like this built. I can’t wait to see the finished product. I hate wasted space and love using every inch of it to get organized. Thanks for your instructions. !!
Great news, so glad you’re taking advantage of the hidden space. Cheers to getting organized!